Gala reject £111m, insist Osimhen not for sale

Galatasaray have rejected a reported £111m offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for Victor Osimhen and insist the Nigerian striker will not be sold, despite growing interest from Arsenal, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Saudi club are believed to have made the huge offer for the 27-year-old after identifying him as a major target, but Galatasaray turned it down and maintained that Osimhen is not available for transfer.

Arsenal have also emerged as strong contenders for the former Napoli striker, with the Premier League club reportedly discussing his availability with Galatasaray during talks between the two clubs.

The discussions have centred on Arsenal forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, with Osimhen’s name also reportedly featuring in the negotiations.

It has not been clarified whether Arsenal or Galatasaray raised the possibility of an Osimhen deal, or whether any move for the striker would be separate from the discussions involving Martinelli and Nwaneri.

There has also been speculation that the three players could potentially be involved in a deal, although no agreement has been reached and the exact nature of the discussions remains unclear.

Despite the growing interest, Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has now reiterated the club’s determination to keep Osimhen.

Speaking to 343 Digital, Özbek said Galatasaray would not accept any proposal that could negatively affect the club before specifically addressing the striker’s situation.

“I will not say ‘yes’ to any deal that would harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray. What I said about Barış Alper Yılmaz, I am now saying even more strongly about Osimhen. No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen,” he said, as quoted by Habersarikirmizi.

Özbek’s comments represent another strong indication that Galatasaray have no intention of allowing Osimhen to leave during the current transfer window, regardless of the size of any offer.

The Nigeria international joined Galatasaray permanently after an impressive loan spell and has since become one of the club’s most valuable players.

For now, however, the Turkish champions have made their position clear, with both Al-Hilal’s reported £111m bid and Arsenal’s interest failing to change their stance on Osimhen.